Aurender N150 Caching Music Server / Streamer

The N150 represents the entry-level point of Aurender’s range of music servers/ streamers. It delivers exceptional audio performance and is the perfect model to choose if, for example, you are upgrading from a laptop-based audio system. N150 is the latest iteration of the legendary N100H and incorporates several upgrades and improvements that bring it to a new level of audio performance and functionality. The heart of the N150 is the newly specified low-power Intel dual-core CPU providing low-noise processing for the desirable quiet background your music will emerge from. Also, contributing to lower noise operation is the new 2X isolated Gigabit LAN port and ultra-clean Audio Class 2.0 USB output. Additionally, a built-in super-capacitor based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is there to safely boot down the N150 in case of an abrupt power outage. We’ve also expanded the options for internal music library storage by providing a single user accessible HDD/SSD tray allowing for the drive type and capacity of your choice. And, if you’re streaming 100%, hard drives are totally unnecessary!

Key Features

• High-performance caching music server & streamer
• The latest iteration of the legendary N100H
• Stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio
• Sampling rate up to 384 kHz, 32 bit/DSD512 via the clean USB audio Class 2.0 output
• Supports DSD (DSF, DFF), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, M4A, APE formats
• Access up to 8TB of music stored locally with the 2.5” SSD/HDD bay (drive not included)
• Linear power supply with super-capacitor-based UPS
• 3″ AMOLED display for displaying track information
• 2 x isolated Gigabit LAN port
• Machined aluminium casework with silver finish
• Control playback and access technical support from the Aurender Conductor app
• Optional in-app purchase of MQA decoder

A Smart Decision for the Sound Obsessed on a Budget

N150 is a compact component incorporating everything needed to browse and stream hi-res music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio using Aurender’s dedicated application, Aurender Conductor. Should you wish to add digital files to the N150, there’s a provision to add a single 2TB or 4TB HDD, or a 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD in order to fully accommodate the size of your file library. And the N150 handles virtually any file format. From its “clean” Audio Class 2.0 USB output file resolutions supported include 32-bit / 384kHz, 1-bit, 2.8MHz (DSD64); 1-bit, 5.6MHz (DSD128), 11.2MHz (DSD256) and DSD512. Updated and improved upon by virtue of an all-new dual-core processor, low-noise linear power supply and increased system memory brings higher fidelity to your digital files and streams. The beautifully machined aluminium chassis sports a 3.0” AMOLED display that indicates the album and song name in an alphanumeric readout.

All Aurender music servers are controlled by the exclusive app, Aurender Conductor which is supported on iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets.

The N150, as is true for all Aurender models, benefits from being an inclusive design, meaning that all the necessary technology required for file serving or streaming music is incorporated within one audio component. This approach provides a high level of stability, reliability and predictability of operation which results in superior sound quality and user experience.

Typical System Configuration

Innovative Technology

The N150 digital music player incorporates technology derived from Aurender’s best-in-class models. For example, the solid-state 240GB MVMe caching drive for playback eliminates latency and the potential of drop-outs often associated with using IT storage devices like NAS and USB drives for music playback. And the dedicated high-performance Audio 2.0 USB digital audio output features ultra-low-noise power circuitry to deliver a pristine digital stream to the connected DAC. The N150 greatly benefits from “trickle down” technology from Aurender’s far more expensive models making them both deliver audio performance that belies its cost. Aurender’s unique adaptive storage system lets you decide the amount of storage necessary for your file library and the type of drive preferred, HDD or SSD. Either drive is user installed at purchase, any time thereafter or never if you stream 100% of the time.

Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port for Network Connectivity

For network connectivity, streaming, upgrades and file transfers, the N150 has a Gigabit Ethernet Port along with two USB 2.0 data ports for copying files from a USB HDD or USB thumb drive.

Copying Content

Loading music into your Aurender is simple and easy. You can choose between two methods depending upon where your digital music library currently resides – direct from a USB storage device or over the network from a NAS.

The Aurender Conductor App Takes Control of Your Music

The Aurender Conductor App turns your iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet into a highly versatile user interface for Aurender Music Servers making managing, viewing, playing and streaming high-resolution music collections a breeze. All permissions, behaviours and functions of the Aurender Music Server / Streamer can be easily accessed through the Settings menu of the Aurender Conductor App. Embedded within Conductor are the lossless streaming services Tidal and Qobuz (subscription required). Spotify Connect and internet radio are also available as alternative music sources. When using a streaming service, Aurender handles the streaming content the same way as files stored internally (Tidal and Qobuz only), so all functions and operations are the same with either library. In fact, it’s easy to combine streaming content into your library of files making all content appear to be one and the same.

Download the Aurender Conductor App

MQA Core Decoder (optional in-app purchase)

Aurender’s MQA Core Decoder upgrade enables first unfold to play MQA files through a non-MQA certified DAC at up to 88.2kHz or 96kHz. The Core Decoder can also deliver the first unfold to MQA certified DACs requiring it so the DAC can perform the final rendering.

USB HD and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Support

Best performance occurs when music is stored on the Aurender’s internal storage. However, the Aurender platform is also capable of seamlessly integrating content stored on a NAS or external USB hard drive using AMM (Aurender Media Manager).

Network Streaming with Solid-State Drive (SSD) Caching Playback

After a song or album is selected from the Aurender Conductor App, that specific music is cached to the 240GB SSD from the internal HDD and the N150 will then playback directly from the SSD. This minimizes wear and tear on the storage drive installed as after loading to the caching drive, the storage drive goes idle. Additionally, by caching songs to the SDD for playback, it eliminates any sound quality degradation and even dropouts due to a non-optimal network connection from, for example, a NAS drive.

Dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 Output with Noise-Free Power Circuitry

The N150’s dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 output is designed to deliver an exceptionally transparent audio signal, free of noise and shielded from any outside electrical or RFI interference.

Linear Power Supply

A full linear power supply provides clean and stable power to the CPU and audio output circuitry. Linear supplies are renowned for their ability to deliver a wide dynamic range capability, deep and powerful low-frequency response and a wide and deep soundstage.

Remote Internet Technical Support

In the unlikely event you may need technical support, you can do so right from the Aurender Conductor App. Sending a Remote Support Request from Aurender’s app allows their engineers to quickly diagnose and correct problems over the Internet, should they ever occur.

Aurender – The Future of Sound

Laptops and consumer-grade network products are a significant source of noise and jitter, and a high-quality streamer is potentially one of the biggest upgrades you can make in a digital system. Aurender designs its products with sonic quality first, using the best components, most efficient processing, high-quality clocks, and excellent isolation.

Through in-house engineering and manufacturing, Aurender makes the finest high-fidelity music servers and audio players on the market. Their design process starts with a blank sheet of paper. Everything from circuit design to industrial design is meticulously engineered with a focus on performance and build quality.

Aurender’s hand-picked components have changed the game, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the field.